SERMON, 


DELIVERED 


IN ST. PAUL’S CHAPEL, NEW-YORK, JULY 29, 1830. 


ON OCCASION OF 


Che Fourth Anniversary 


OF 


THE GENERAL PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL 


SUNDAY SCHOOL UNION. 


BY CHARLES BURROUGHS, 


RECTOR OF ST. JOHN’S CHURCH, PORTSMOUTH, N. H. 


PUBLISHED BY REQUEST. 


s 


NE W-YORK : 


PRINTED AT THE PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL PRESS, 
No. 46 Lumber-Street, in rear of Trinity Church. 


1830. 


SERMON. 


1. CHRONICLES, xxix. i—The Work ts great. 


Ir is natural to man to admire whatever is great. Common 
objects alone seldom satisfy his taste or ambition. Though the 
outstretched Jake may lay before him smooth as a mirror, and 
reflect from its bright bosom countless beauties ; yet he longs 
to turn from it to behold grander scenes, to gaze upon the lofty 
mountain, the foaming cataract, or the majestic ocean. He 
readily leaves his native home to search, in foreign lands, for 
whatever is wonderful and wild; to admire the monuments of 
human art, the celebrated temples that have been built for 
immense congregations of the living, or the vaster pyramids 
which have been erected for the sepulchres of the royal dead ; 
or to wonder at the mighty operations of the divine hand, at the 
brilliant glacier or the burning mountain. It is also natural to 
man to be ambitious of accomplishing something great. He is 
not often satisfied with a common routine of existence, with the 
undistinguished discharge of the ordinary occupations of life. 
He is solicitous to rise above his fellow-mortals, and achieve 
something productive of pre-eminent advantage or fame. 
These natural sentiments are ever receiving new excitement 
from the spirit of the age in which we live ; a spirit remarkable 
for the invention and patronage of great projects, and which is 
daily opening new fields for human distinction. Availing our- 
selves of this universal disposition to admire and perform some- 
thing great, and desirous of giving it a moral direction, we take 
pleasure in presenting you a holy enterprise, in strict accordance 
with such a disposition ; an enterprise worthy of your admira- 
tion and ambition. We appear before you this evening to 


Cees) 


solicit your attention, active exertions, and liberality in behalf 
of a great work, in behalf of the institution of Sunday Schools. 
Here we may find something sufficiently great to elevate the 
boldest conceptions, and open a boundless field for the most 
hallowed energies, extensive usefulness, and high distinction. 
Our text alludes to a great work, which Solomon was to 
accomplish at Jerusalem ; it was the erection of a palace for 
the worship of Jehovah. Its design was to be a house of rest 
for the ark of the covenant, and therefore its extent and splen- 
dour were to surpass all Pagan temples, and all other exhibi- 
tions of human art. It was to be adorned with gold, silver, 
precious stones, and the most exquisite workmanship, and to 
be made, as far as human ingenuity could effect it, a becoming 
sanctuary for the Lord of Hosts. Well, therefore, might such 
a work be called great, and have awakened the deepest interest 
of the Israelites. But if the construction of such a temple, of 
perishable materials, were a great work, how much more do 
Sunday Schools deserve to be so called; since they forma 
temple more glorious than the one which Solomon built, a tem- 
ple of lively stones, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual 
sacrifices. — \They are projecting a spiritual sanctuary, composed 
of the young from every part of the world, as the most costly 
and acceptable jewels. \ Such precious materials are everywhere 
around us, and Sunday Schools are designed to collect, shape, 
and polish them, and form them into an holy edifice that shall 
infinitely surpass all the grandeur, riches, and beauty, that 
distinguished the temple of Solomon. In illustration of this 
subject, we shall attempt to show you, that the institution of 
Sunday Schools is a “ great work ;” suggest some process for 
increasing its efficacy, and present some of the claims of our 
General Protestant Episcopal Sunday School Union, a society 
formed for the more effectual accomplishment of this great 
work, to the liberality of churchmen. 
\ Sunday Schools are a great work, as it respects their exten- 
‘sive diffusion of religious knowledge. There is nothing that our 
fellow-beings so much need, and which we can impart with so 
much profit, as wisdom. It is above the most splendid pros- 
perity, the prerogatives of sovereignty, and all the treasures and 


bi, Sr) 

glories of the earth. This position is strongly urged and main- 
tained in the Bible, and is the enlightened conclusion of the 
speculations and experience of the most illustrious men. While 
the human mind, fertile in resources, has employed so much of 
its powers for the improvement of science and the arts, it has 
not been neglectful of higher and more important purposes. It 
has been turned with judicious and efficient direction to the 
cause of education. From what it has said and done, it has 
eloquently defended the necessity of knowledge; and, in this 
respect, has effected more for human happiness, than by all its 
other discoveries. It has become now an indisputable maxim, 
that wherever there is mind there are, connected with it, interests 
infinitely superior to those of the body, and which should be 
always first consulted ; and that intellectual culture constitutes 
a pre-eminent dignity of man. An extended system of educa- 
tion, therefore, is exceedingly desirable. .\When, amidst this 
broad diffusion of knowledge, the principles of religion and mo- 
rality shall be esteemed of the highest consequence, so that the 
mind and heart shall be led to a salutary appropriation of all in- 
tellectual attainments towards forming the Christian character 
in all things, then must education be deemed the most important 
and beneficial cause in which man can be interested. This will 
give us what secular glories can neither impart nor disturb ; 
will improve-our affections, increase our happiness, extend our 
usefulness, and ripen us for heaven. 

\ Sunday Schools, therefore, by aiming at the diffusion of reli- 
gious knowledge, constitute one of the grandest designs that 
can command human attention or ambition. Let it be impress- 
ed on you, that their special and only proper aim is religious 
knowledge ; such knowledge as is necessary to read, explain, 
and enforce the Scriptures, and lead to a godly and sober life ; 
and that, consequently, all other kinds of intelligence or lessons 
of instruction, not intimately and essentially connected with 
these great points, must be deemed profanations of Sunday, and 
abuses of Sunday Schools. If, in these seminaries of hallowed 
wisdom, only one child opens his eyes on the light of truth, and 
turns his feet into the path of salvation, a great work is done. 
But these seminaries are an organized co-operation of extensive 


(Oh) 

and multiplied efforts. They compose a vast machine, impelled 
by one principle, moving countless different agents, and pro- 
ducing countless specific results. The aggregate of intellectual 
benefit is, of course, immense ; and the richest of mercies, reli- 
gious knowledge, is communicated by the wisest of modern in- 
ventions, the moral enginery of Sunday Schools. The more 
they are multiplied the more shall ignorance pass away. They 
shall soon cast their radiant and warming beams as diffusively 
as the sun that rolls over us; and “ the earth shall be full of 
the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the seas.” 

|} The greatness of Sunday Schools, as connected with the in- 
crease and diffusion of knowledge, will be readily admitted by 
considering, what is obvious to many, that since their introduc- 
tion an entirely new and enlarged course of elementary reli- 
gious instruction has been opened for the young and unlearned. 
It has been reserved to the enterprising of this age to be the 
pioneers on this most important field of Christian learning. 
‘There have always been, indeed, among the various denomina- 
tions of Christians, brief plans of catechetical instruction. Our 
Church has, with great wisdom and mercy, watched over her 
children; and the catechism, which she has framed, has been 
one of the most precious guides and consolations to the lambs of 
her fold. Still, however, among all denominations, till recently, 
the elements of religion have been generally exhibited in a 
very limited manner. \\The arts, sciences, and human accom- 
plishments have been largely imparted to the young ; but Chris- 
tianity has never been made their study; has never formed a 
distinct department of education ; has never been systematically 
implanted in their minds. Almost the whole of living Christen- 
dom have gathered their intelligence from barren elements, by 
their own industrious searchings, quickened by the course of 
public preaching, or the accidental interposition of religious 
friends. ‘This was the necessary, the unavoidable course of 
things. Religion, as a distinct branch of knowledge, was not 
taught at our schools. Few parents had sufficient intellectual 
competency or leisure to teach it to their offspring; and those 
who had the ability, were not furnished with suitable books. 
When Sunday Schools were established, the dearth of books 


* 


(Fay 


was immediately felt ; and this circumstance has called forth the 
exertions of genius, learning, and piety, partially to supply the 
defects which we have so long endured. We are indebted to 
the kind services of distinguished writers of our own Church in 
this country, for several able, successful, and delightful produc- 
tions in this departinent of Christian learning ; and we feel also 
great obligations for the luminous operations of such Christian 
spirits as those of Mrs. Sherwood and Mr. Gall, who have both 
happily laboured for the spiritual benefit and pleasure of the 
young. This is a new era of elementary religious knowledge 
and literature ; it is a new effort of divine mercy seeking to save 
the world, by condescending, with ineffable humility, to mould 
and decorate the infant mind. .A great work is begun—the 
work of preparing a course of systematic religious instruction 
for children. Amidst our boasted improvements, this may be 
acknowledged the greatest ; and tells, better than any other dis- 
coveries, that there is not only a march of mind, but a benevo- 
lent march of the heart among us. It is to be hoped that such 
a work will go on—that those who are furnished with the requi- 
site talent, will be untiring in such labours. Let them remem- 
ber, that scarcely any field of usefulness is so broad as this; and 
that perhaps no other presents so many chances for greatness 
and glory. That hallowed exercise of talent and knowledge, 
which can make the young feel that they are intellectual beings ; 
can kindle a strong sense of their accountableness ; can enable 
them to triumph over sensual appetites by the preference and 
the pursuit of intellectual pleasures and the love of God, which 
transplant them to a sphere beyond that glorious sun in the hea- 
vens, undoubtedly deserves an infinitely more precious laurel 
than he whose science solved the mystic dance of the planets 
and registered, for his immortality, the laws of their motion. 

| \} Sunday Schools are obviously a great work, on account of 
their extensive moral influence. Only bring before your minds 
the number of teachers, and the immense number of children, 
employed in Sunday Schools, those hallowed laboratories of sal- 
vation, Listen to the prayers, admonitions, conversations, and 
serious lessons, in which this mighty mass is engaged. Reflect 
on the time previously given to God in preparation for these. 


( 34 
exercises ; the pious impressions which such occupations must 
make on teachers and children ; the various virtues which Sun- 
day School scenes bring into operation; the virtues of pa- 
tience, self-denial, industry, and benevolence on one side; and 
those of docility, affection, diligence, gratitude, and obedience 
on the other; the solemn and reverential feelings awakened in 
both teachers and children for the Lord’s day ; their increasing 
knowledge of the Bible; their diligent investigation and expla- 
nation of its solemn truths; their employment of holy time in 
holy things, when that time might otherwise be given to the 
world; the rebounding influence of piously educated children 
upon their parents at home, and others with whom they may 
be brought into contact ; the girding on in early life the shield of 
faith ; so as to be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wick- 
ed one, especially the artifices of scepticism, and the seductions 
of immorality ;—only consider these things, and you will be con- 
vinced that Sunday Schools have an incalculable moral power. 
When we take into consideration the number of these schools 
on the earth; their perpetual increase; the mass of religious 
and moral sentiment communicated among them; the silent 
though sure operation of these sentiments throughout the civil 
and social systems of the world ; the divine spirit that hovers 
over these countless assemblies on Sundays; and the seeds of 
grace that are constantly springing up in them all, we cannot 
conceive of any thing that could produce more sublime moral 
results. If one little captive child of Israel, by being nurtured 
in the religion of her country, could bring the great and honour- 
able commander of the hosts of the king of Syria to a know- 
ledge and worship of the true God; if one man, like Dr. Mor- 
rison, brought to know and love Christ in a Sunday Schooi, 
could be a successful missionary in China, and translate the 
whole Bible into the Chinese language, spoken by three mil- 
lions of people, so that many thousands every year, for ages to 
come, may call him blessed, what may we not expect from the 
moral power of all our Sunday Schools, where Jesus and his 
salvation are pressed home with becoming seriousness and ener- 
gy on such an immense mass of young immortal souls? Bring 


these things before your mind, and Sunday Schools are invested 


“tg 


q B28) 


with a sort of moral omnipotence. The incense of religion and 
piety, to be sure, are offered only in these schools, but it bursts 
forth and ‘covers the face of the earth, and the face of heaven, 
and ascends to the throne of Gop.. It pervades all the institu- 
tions of man; all the various elements of society ; the tones of 
sentiment, and the pulsations of feeling ; consecrates every po- 
litical movement, and the productions of science and learning ; 
purifies all the enterprises of the age; and distils its prolific 
blessings on every church, community, and government. While it 
Christianizes and blesses the poor, it affectionately holds the rich 
in its arms of mercy; teaching them that there is only one thing 
needful; that grace is true riches; that the affluent and poor 
are both accountable at the bar of Gon; that both should be 
united in the beautiful equality of religion ; and that both should 
be mutually desirous of each other’s favour. It even exercises 
its moral power where there are no regular ministrations of 
the ambassadors of Curist ; for, wherever two or three may be 
gathered together, there may the Saviour be with a Sunday 
School ; andggwhen our system of instruction shall be fully and 
elaborately prepared, there will be no spot so insulated, no cot- 
tage so remote, where the Sunday School teacher may not find 
and bless some candidates of salvation and glory. 

It is only a little while since the mighty engine of Sunday 
Schools has been in operation for enlightening the young. A 
generation has not yet been imbued with the odours of the sys- 
tem, and we cannot fairly judge of its full results. But, from 
its short experiment most conclusive and eloquent facts, that 
are before us, show its moral efficacy. It has already produced 
a vast impression on the age; and few, who have been educated 
in these nurseries of Curist, have ever been arraigned in courts 
of justice. Many of these scholars have become teachers m 
their turn ; and many have been signal monuments of divine 
grace. From such ranks is Curist to muster his hosts for fight- 
ing the battles of the cross; for demolishing the strong holds of 
Satan; for giving pastors to all lands; for providing everywhere 
a competent supply of missionaries ; and for hastening on the 
millenial era. 

A& circumstance which strikingly proves that the institution of 
9 


ae 


CLR) 


| Sunday Schools must have a powerful moral tendency, is the 
peculiarity of the class of individuals whom it is designed to em- 
brace. It is the elaborate and energetic direction of the gospel 
to a source most susceptible of all its influence ; a source which 
is soon to have the direction of all the institutions of the earth. 
It is the communication of religious knowledge to the young. 
Here is the judicious application of moral energy. To this 
source is applied the systematic administration of divine truth; 
and it is generally applied with ability, constancy, and love. 
This is the very spot which the ministers of Curist are to occu- 
py, if they ever expect, or intend, that all the inhabitants of the 
earth shall fear the Lorp. The principles and habits of the 
adult are not easily altered. The purest truths, delivered in the 
most eloquent manner, are apt to fall lifeless on the largest por- 
tion of the matured minds of a congregation. It is difficult for 
them to become little children, and open their bosoms freely to 
the means of grace. But a child meets you without fixed pre- 
judices or habits; is ready to hear, believe, and to obey ; and is 
full of sensibility to the tender lessons which theeSaviour of the 
world has left for him. If he be thus taught of the Lorp, he is 
directed and secured in the path of rectitude. Let Sunday 
Schools then universally embrace our youth, and you are almost 
sure to bring them to Curist; you have discovered a plan for 
the renovation of the world; and, when the millenium shalt 
come, it will be found that Sunday Schools were its most effec- 
tual instruments, its heralds, and its harbingers. 
Sunday Schools are a great work, from their being an accepta- 
‘ble discharge of one of our highest obligations ;_ the obligation to 
teach our children the principles of Christianity. They are de- 
pendent on us; they look to us for the bread that nourishes 
their bodies, and especially for that eternal bread, which nou- 
rishes for ever their souls. Nor are our own children alone de- 
pendent on us; the children of the poor are also entitled to our 
care ; and we are bound to administer to their spiritual relief. 
It is in vain to argue that children may be instructed at home. 
Some persons have not the ability ; and others have not the dis- 
position for this work. Without Sunday Schools comparatively 
few children would be well initiated in the principles of the gos- 


q tle") 


pel. These schools provide a guide and facility for such in- 
struction. A parent, if he wishes it, may now be sure that his 
offspring may be nurtured in the ways of holiness ; and, while he 
contrilxites liberally for the support of a Sunday School, he knows 
that he is also discharging his debt of obligation to the poor ; 
and discharging it by a method more effectual, complete, and sa- 
tisfactory than any other by which it possibly could have been 
discharged. We all ought to be thankful that the human mind has 
devised a measure for the simple and successful accomplishment 
of one of our highest duties, and should not fail to avail our- 
selves of it to the utmost extent. At the same time, should we 
be careful not to leave all Christian instruction to Sunday School 
teachers. We should remember, that we are, each of us, still 
the natural guardians and teachers of our children, and cannot 
be exempted from much labour and care, in relation to their - 
claims on our personal services and fidelity. 

/ Sunday Schools are a great work, because they are the ful- 
/ filment of a very ancient prophecy. Rapt into future times, the 
' evangelical prophet had brilliant views of the progress of the 
Church. He saw the reign of the Messiah, and the glorious 
place of his sanctuary. He saw the beauty of the New Jeru- 
salem, “whose foundations were of sapphire, windows of 
agates, gates of carbuncles, and borders of pleasant stones ;” — 
and he thus continued his phrophetic description,—“ all thy 
children shall be taught of the Lorp; and great shall be the 
peace of thy children.” We believe that something unusual 
was intended to be conveyed in this language; that an era was 
expected to arrive, when some wonderful plan should be adopted 
for bringing children to Curist. If he so distinctly foresaw 
the sufferings of our Saviour, and the magnificence of the 
Christian dispensation, it is not at all improbable that he beheld, 
in vision, the great work of Sunday Schools in their full tide of 
vigour and success; and saw all the young of the earth assem- 
bled in them before their kind and faithful teachers. We seem 
justified in our supposition, when we read this very peculiar lan- 
guage ;—“‘all thy children shall be taught of the Lorp, and 
great shall be the peace of thy children.” At least, Sunday 
Schools are a most complete illustration of the truth of that pag. 


( 12 ) 

sage, and afford a striking evidence of the divinity of the Scrip- 
tures. This day we find the language of the prophet fulfilled in 
our ears. We hear, throughout all the land, that his vision is 
daily becoming a splendid reality. Sunday Schools, then, are 
the work of Gop; are so great as to appear the object of pro- 
phecy ; and will be patronized and prevail, even though un- 
aided by our countenance and exertions. Are they not a great 
work? Are we not wonderfully blessed to live amidst such pri- 
vileges, amidst such glorious days of the Son of Man? Do we 
not feel a rapture in engaging in this work, and in imagining 
ourselves some of those whom Isaiah beheld in vision, as the 
patrons and teachers of Sunday Schools 2 

The greatness of such institutions will be the more obvious, 
when we consider their present extent, various details, and 
vast machinery. Such a view is extremely grand and enno- 
bling ; and might almost lead us to imagine that Christendom, 
actuated by some sudden divine impulse, had awakened from a 
long slumber, to plant, everywhere, with resistless energies, the 
standard of the cross. But yesterday was laid the embryo plan 
of Sunday Schools. So inconsiderable was their beginning 
as to be esteemed almost unworthy of notice ; and it would pro- 
bably have eluded observation and memory, had it not been 
rapidly followed by astonishing results. Not half a century has 
rolled away, and the plan has received the approbation of a 
large part of Christendom, and has been practically commended 
in the remotest corners of the earth. Great Britain and Ire- 
land, with our own country, number more than a million of 
scholars who attend Sunday Schools. Besides these many are 
found in Paris, one of the strongest citadels of Papacy; many 
in the country of the Hindoos, where idolatry has some of her 
deepest, broadest, and highest walls. Sunday Scholars are 
daily increasing in Ceylon, New South Wales, Van Diemen’s 
Land, and the South Sea Islands. They are reciting our de- 
lightful catechism, and are chanting the most touching hymns, 
on the western and southern coasts of Africa, in the West In- 
dies, in Holland, Malta, Nova Scotia, New Foundland, and Bue- 
nos Ayres. Every day is multiplying these schools, and con- 
veying the knowledge of the Redeemer to destitute Christian and 


( 18) 


Heathen lands. Surely is it a great work, that is thus rapidly 
extending, everywhere, its operations. Many who patronize 
them and engage in their active details of duty, are among the 
most elevated ranks, distinguished scholars and pious saints of 
the earth. , 

Consider too the vast extent of the Sunday School machi- 
nery; the preparation and publishing of suitable elementary 
works of instruction; the provision of excellent and well 
adapted libraries; the perpetual demand for the faithful and 
salutary activity of the press; the well digested and judicious 
counsels of superintendents; the self-denial and kindness of 
teachers ; the activity and obedience of scholars; the liberal 
plans by which the poor are provided with books and clothes, 
that they may enjoy religious knowledge; and the large 
contributions constantly made to defray other unavoidable 
expenses ; then will you speak with admiration of the magni- 
tude of Sunday Schools. 

But it is on Sundays particularly that the grandeur of this sub- 
ject elevates our minds, and enchants our imaginations. When 
we consider that Sunday Schools are a free will offering; that 
with this free, reasonable, and acceptable sacrifice, countless 
numbers of teachers and children assemble on Sundays at their 
usual places of meeting, and learn the way to Heaven, and 
sing the song of the Lamb ; when we see such reverence paid to 
Sunday and to Christ, and know what powerful symphonies 
are raised in all the various Sunday Schools of the earth ; it 
gives a sublimity to Sunday, far surpassing what the world has 
before known, and worthy of record in the books of prophecy. 

After contemplating the magnitude and value of Sunday 
Schools; their vast importance in the diffusion of religious 
knowledge ; their extensive moral power; their fulfilment of 
some of our highest moral obligations ; their apparent accom- 
plishment of one of the most brilliant prophecies ; their vast 
extent, detail and mighty machinery ; it becomes a very import- 
ant inquiry, What are the means of giving such schodls the 
greatest efficiency? By what process shall their beneficial ten- 
dency and influences be most fully developed, so that they shall 
be rendered the glory of all lands? It may not be easy to give 


ba) 


a full and satisfactory answer to these inquiries, but we shall 
take the liberty of suggesting a few topics that appear of great 
moment, and may not be deemed entirely unworthy of your 
consideration. 

Qne of the most efficient means for giving Sunday Schools 
their highest moral power, and rendering them pre-eminently 
a great work, is by combination, or what is commonly termed 
a ‘Sunday School Union,” which implies a liberal and cor- 
dial co-operation of churches of the same creed. This prin- 
ciple of combination for moral purposes is altogether a peculi- . 
arity of these modern times. It is a most fortunate one; and 
can accomplish its purposes by the accumulation of almost re- 
sistless energies. While it levies but a small contribution on 
the many, and leaves a large portion unassessed, either for in- 
tellectual or pecuniary aid, it provides for general accommoda- 
tion, and furnishes for the community an astonishing amount of 
good. The counsels of the wisest are put in requisition, and 
instead of becoming, as would otherwise be the case, the pro- 
perty of a few, are rendered the property of all. The treasures 
that are contributed by the numerous churches, though sepa- 
rately almost nothing, form collectively a massive and splendid 
monument of utility. Individual schools would be sadly impo- 
tent alone. Some might be well disciplined, and make great 
proficiency in religious knowledge, but the mass of them would 
evince very little valuable progress. Combination, judiciously 
exercised, will furnish every resource that is wanted; will lay 
broad and deep the plans of instruction ; can provide, at a low 
rate, the best elementary works; and will cause a holy and 
happy emulation to be kindled among the various schools. It 
will bring to them the liberality of the affluent, and the matured 
labours of the intelligent and pious. The whole strength of 
Sunday Schools lies in this principle of combination ; and he 
who contends against the latter, must be essentially hostile to 
the former. He who favours such a combination increases the 
power” of his church; accomplishes the ‘‘ great work” by the 
strongest effort ; and enrolls himself among the best benefactors 
of his race. By this process of a “ Union,” the wants of 
many destitute schools are supplied; the best of books, which 


Ula 


might not otherwise have been published, are provided for all ; 
a matured system of instruction is extensively prepared and 
furnished, where, otherwise, the system would have been mea- 
gre and valueless ; and, in many places, schools have been multi- 
plied, when otherwise, not one might have been formed. It is 
by combination alone, that suitable libraries can be furnished 
generally for Sunday Schools. _ It is this very principle which is 
to awaken the active employment of many learned men, and 
induce them to adorn the department of sacred juvenile litera- 
ture by the production of appropriate works for Sunday Schools, 
and libraries connected with them. Such a combination must 
enhance the value and power of these schools, and therefore 
demands your countenance and support. 

Another method of giving these schools the greatest efficiency 
is, by the introduction of a complete system of elementary reli- 
gious instruction. The want of such a system has been one of 
the greatest difficulties with which we have had to contend. It 
iS true, that we have a catechism, which, for its original special 
design, is unrivalled; which forms the basis of as beautiful a 
structure of doctrines and morals as can be given to man; 
which embraces the essential tenets of the gospel, without any 
perplexities of creed, or any mystical constructions of orthodoxy ; 
and which exhibits the soundest faith without any indefensible 
dogmas of party. It has delineated a perfect moral code; is an 
admirable compend of theology and virtue ; and is embodied in 
language as simple and appropriate as could have been adopted, 
consistently with the different ages and circumstances of the 
persons required to learn it. Every analysis of it, that has been 
attempted, shows what a deep and rich mine of ore, of something 
more valuable than even the gold of Ophir, lies beneath its sur- 
face. It has been the admiration of ‘many distinguished theolo- 
gians, and needs not our eulogy to bring to light its merits. But 
it was never designed that our early knowledge of religion should 
be confined to that compend, and that the young should not 
avail themselves of higher instructions amidst the advanced 
march of Sunday Schools. Such schools have very fortunately, 
and with great originality and success, suggested an extended 
course of religious instruction for our youth; a course which 


, we) 


is now becoming a new, complete, and special department of 
education. We are, therefore, to take into view the various 
condition of children attached to our Sunday Schools; for we 
maintain that all classes should be sent to them; that high and 
low, rich and poor, ignorant and educated children, should min- 
gle together in these nurseries of the Church. We find some 
who are not able to read, and others, so much advanced in reli- 
gious knowledge, as to be capable of understanding and relish- 
ing works of a much higher character than any that have yet 
been introduced into our schools. It is also allowed to be a 
matter of policy, that children, with high advantages of educa- 
tion, should remain in Sunday Schools till they are, perhaps, 
fifteen years of age, and are qualified for receiving confirmation. 
It must now be obvious that a variety of books, and various 
erades of them, are required; and that it will be very difficult to 
manage our schools with any tolerable success without books, 
complete in their kind, and without a regular gradation of them. 
This want has already been, in some respects, met by the abili- 
ty, diligence, and benevolence of some of our churchmen ; and 
all requisite works will probably soon be completed. Such a 
course will be of vast consequence. The time and labour, then, 
bestowed on Sunday School instruction, will be directed to the 
most suitable and necessary topics; and our schools will send 
forth able proficients in such knowledge, as shall make them 
wise unto salvation. 

We may also increase the efficacy of Sunday Schools by the 
patronage of a Press devoted to their interests. An immense 
variety and number of suitable books will be requisite to carry on 
the great work, even in our own country, to any considerable 
extent and advantage. A sufficiency of such books should be ob- 
tained, and furnished at a fhoderate price ; and there should be 
a gratuitous distribution of them among indigent scholars. 
Without this arrangement, some of our Sunday Schools will 
have insurmountable difficulties to encounter in the progress of 
religious education. Such an arrangement could be effected 
only by a press that should devote itself to the interests of Sun- 
day Schools. Missionary institutions have learned this lesson ; 
and, wherever, in foreign parts, the standard of the cross is lifted 


{ 4e.9 


up, its movements are directed by the establishment of a 
press upon the same soil. A similar policy is pursued by Bible 
Societies ; and the various divisions of political and theological 
parties find powerful auxiliaries in their respective engines for 
printing. The press is indeed one of the most efficient instru- 
ments for giving a triumphant ascendancy and success to Sun- 
day Schools; and its power has received a recent and vast in- 
crease from the art and practice of stereotyping. We look to 
this instrument as one of the most valuable and fortunate of our 
agents ; and they who wish well to our ‘‘ great work,” may al- 
ways be sure of advancing its interests by directing their libe- 
rality to the Press of our Sunday School Union. 

While urging the patronage of the Press, we would also re- 
commend the formation of Sunday School libraries. These, if 
judiciously selected, and embracing only works of a religious and 
moral character, and especially such as illustrate and defend the 
doctrines and liturgy of our Church, will become eminently sub- 
servient to the interests of Sunday Schools. The use of these 
libraries may profitably supersede all other rewards, and be ex- 
hibited as the laurelled recompence of the obedience and im- 
provement of a Sunday scholar. ‘Thus an admirable incentive 
is furnished for emulation. Excellence is crowned by a saluta- 
ry distinction, and is followed, not by pride or envy, but by 
the additional attainment of religious and moral knowledge. 
Such libraries will produce a taste for serious reading ;_ will give 
a better direction to the understanding and to the heart, and will 
tend to plant, in the youthful bosom, elevated principles and 
amiable affections. There should be no Sunday School with- 
out its library: the former will give a taste for the latter, and 
the latter will give encouragement and increased moral benefit 
to the former. Happy is the Church whose generous and 
united resources can provide from their own press such libraries. 
Liberality here is sure of diffusing extensive blessings; of con- 
veying some delightful religious work to the parlours of the rich 
and the cottage of the poor; of leading multitudes to true hap- 
piness, through the knowledge of a Saviour; and of making 
glad many disciples and churches of Curist. 

Active exertions, in extending the formation of Sunday 

3 


( 18 ) 
Schools, will materially promote their efficacy. We deem them 
essential nurseries of Churches ; essential in kindling an ardent 
attachment to the primitive doctrines of Episcopacy ; essential 
in producing a mutual and affectionate acquaintance between a 
minister and the children, dependent on his knowledge of their 
wants and his care of their souls ; essential in teaching the young 
to understand and observe better whatever is heard from the pul- 
pit; essential in preparing and publishing proper elementary re- 
ligious works; and also essential in implanting truth on the 
mind at a susceptible and tender period, when all instruction 
produces an indelible impression. No pastoral duty, therefore, 
appears more imperious, when we consider its rare religious 
consequences, than the formation of Sunday Schools in our 
churches. A pastor’s walk can never be more delightful than 
among children, who have gathered from their Sunday Schools 
an increased reverence and affection for him, his preaching, and 
devotions; and who are delighted to converse with him about 
the truths of the gospel. We should devise ways and means for 
the extension of such schools ; for organizing them on the dis- 
tinctive principles of the Church, on an uniform plan, and, as 
far as circumstances can reasonably permit, with an uniform 
system of instruction. We feel it our duty earnestly to urge 
that all our children should be taught at our Sunday Schools, 
and to recommend the attachment of each of these schools to 
our General Union. Such a course, at this period, seems to be 
a pre-eminent office of pastoral duty. 

We would humbly suggest another method, as calculated to 
give efficiency to Sunday Schools. We would propose that 
when our resources, or the liberality of some individuals, shall 
justify the measure, premiums be annually offered and adjudged 
by a competent committee, to the authors of the best books on 
subjects previously assigned, and materially connected with 
Sunday School instruction or with Sunday School libraries. 
This plan will call the attention of the intelligent to the im- 
provement of our schools, and may be found an expedient course 
for supplymg the deficiencies under which we materially suffer. 
We should never rest nor be unwearied in our exertions, till we 
are satisfied that the instruction at these institutions be ample ; 


LS) 

till we shall have secured the young in the paths of saving know- 
ledge, and till our libraries become so select, instructive, and nu- 
merous as to furnish a variety and abundance of nutritious food 
to all our Sunday scholars. We should provide every excite- 
ment for this purpose, and plead most ardently with learning, 
genius, and liberality, to aid us in this department of our great 
work. 

We can now mention only one other subject that deserves 
our attention, as materially connected with the beneficial inte- 
rests of Sunday Schools. It is one, however, of vast conse- 
quence ; and one which, more than any other, affects the 
various classes of children educated in these sacred semina- 
ries. It relates to the qualifications, attainments, piety, and dis- 
positions of Sunday School teachers. They must either pos- 
sess, or labour to obtain, the proper requisites of their office ; 
and when they really hold and exercise them, they are among 
the most valuable members of the community. The reputation 
and success of our “ great work” stand on their ability and 
faithfulness. There is scarcely any thing so apparently simple, 
obscure, and retired, and yet so useful and interesting, as a Sun- 
day School teacher. Instances of such extraordinary and ex- 
emplary devotion and fidelity have occurred, both among males 
and femaies, in discharging the duties of that important station, 
as have highly magnified it, and have awakened our admiration 
and warmest gratitude. She, who, surrounded by the tempta- 
tions and joys of life, and possessing great personal attractions, can 
so much soar above pride, vanity, worldliness, selfishness, and the 
love of pleasure, as to devote herself to a class of a Sunday School, 
however poor and mean that class may be; who can condescend 
to any coarseness, vulgarity, and ignorance of her children ; take 
a deep interest in their welfare ; visit them in sickness ; comfort 
them in poverty, and instruct them in health ; who will make 
personal sacrifices for their comfort; will study, labour, and 
pray, that she may the more thoroughly do her duty to them ; 
will remember them in her devotions; and find her highest plea- 
sure in leading them to the feet of Jesus ;—may be ranked 
among the kindest benefactors of our race,—a ministering angel 

-to those whom Providence has placed under her direction. Gop 


( 


dwells with such an humble, contrite, and active christian. She 
may be deemed, even by many sensible minds, as occupied in a 
very inconsiderable office; and the worldly and proud may 
despise her Sunday occupation. But her moral efforts are at- 
tended with sublime consequences. Such a teacher may dif- 
fuse a moral influence that shall affect the whole place of her 
residence. Hercharacter and example, besides her personal 
devotion to herclass, will produce the happiest tendency. Though 
unobserved, she may be giving a happy revolution to sentiments 
and morals; success to the preaching of her minister ; religious 
impulse and fertility to many a social circle, and be bringing on 
herself the beatitudes of Gop. The smallest insect, if insensible 
to the poison of the tupas tree, may perseveringly continue his 
minute operations of destruction ; may pierce a passage to the 
heart of this plant of death, and open a way for the action of 
air and rain, so that its withering branches may soon show the 
power of the hostile invader, and the tree itself may perish 
forever. So the humblest instruments, by faithful services, 
may be successful agents in exterminating iniquity and error, 
and in enabling many souls to live to Gop. 

Let teachers then enter on their duty, prepared for their 
work. A systematic attention to their instruction becomes an 
object of the highest moment. But unless they are sufficiently 
taught and disciplined, and feel an interest in their classes, it is 
evident that their children can receive little benefit. To ob- 
viate such difficulties, we can conceive of no better plan, than 
some system of mutual instruction among teachers, or a weekly 
pastoral lecture on the books and duties connected with Sunday 
School instruction. We have thrown out these hints because 
we felt it a duty, while bestowing such high commendations on 
the “great work,” to specify some general method by which, 
in our humble opinion, it might be effectually accomplished. 

Having thus’stated the greatness of the institution of Sunday 
Schools, and some of the means ‘of giving them the largest 
efliciency, we shall now call your attention more particularly to 
the society, in whose behalf I appear, and trust that you will 
be the better disposed, from the remarks that have been made, 
to listen to the claims of the General Protestant Episcopal Sun- 


( 24) 


day School Union on the liberality of churchmen. For, we be- 
lieve that this Union presents pre-eminently, in a combined view, 
the grandeur of Sunday Schools, and the best means of giv- 
ing them efficiency. 

Before we present these claims, it may be proper to state a 
few facts respecting the history of these schools, and especially 
of this General Union. The person, time, and circumstances, 
connected with their origin are so conspicuously registered 
among the illustrious events of the age, as almost to supersede 
any reference to them. Though Charles Borrome, Arch- 
bishop of Milan, in the 16th century, may be said to have 
been the founder of catechetical instruction on Sundays, and 
others may have claimed for Dr. Brown, of Scotland, the ori- 
gin of Sunday Schools, yet we are disposed, on the whole, to 
consider the merit of founding these institutions as belonging to 
Mr. Raikes. We cannot withhold our tribute to the memory 
of that excellent man, pious Christian, zealous Episcopalian, 
and one of the most eminent benefactors of our race. Gop 
moves in a mysterious way. He seeth not as man’s wisdom 
seeth ; and loves to effect his objects by the simplest means. 
It was apparently the slightest accident that opened to this 
wicked world that magnificent field of utility, learning, and 
piety, the system of Sunday Schools. Divine love and the tri- 
umph of mercy in the heart of Robert Raikes, an obscure 
printer of Gloucester, in England, led him on Sundays to the 
religious instruction of some poor and depraved children, be- 
longing to a manufactory in his city ; and he was thus piously 
moved to erect a monument, more lasting than marble, to his 
name, and eminently conducive to the divine glory. The word 
“try” was so powerfully impressed on his mind, while projecting 
his plan, that he once said, “I can never pass the spot where 
the word ‘try’ came so powerfully into my mind, without lifting 
my hands and heart to Heaven in gratitude to Gop for having 
put such a thought into my heart.” Well might he utter such 
language, for, in 1811, when he died, 300,000 youths were under 
the influence of Sunday Schools. Nor was this event an insu- 
lated moral enterprize. It was followed by another, even more 
astonishing. Sunday Schools produced a demand for Bibles ; 


( 22 ) 


and the discussion of this subject produced that sublime reso- 
lution offered by the Rev. Mr. Hughes, “ to found a society that 
should increase its funds, and extend its operations, till not only 
all the Sunday Schools, but the British dominions and the whole 
earth should be filled with the word of Gop.” Let veneration 
and gratitude then ever be paid to the name of Raikes; his 
praise is in all the churches. Sunday Schools form his immor- 
tal eulogy. Bible sacieties indirectly owe their origin to him, 
and gratefully proclaim his services. We trust, therefore, that, 
through a Saviour’s blood, the recompense of the virtues of 
this meek and active Christian is, his eternal record in the 
Lamb’s Book of Life. 

The rapid multiplication of Sunday Schools in Great Britain, 
soon awakened the attention of pious men to their formation in 
this country. The first Sunday School established in the United 
States, was commenced in Philadelphia in the year 1791 ; 
and, amongst its founders was the venerable, the patriarchal, the 
apostolical Bishop White, who is still its president. The exam- 
ple was gradually followed; but Sunday Schools were not in 
general use, in this country, till about fifteen years smce. We 
record it with honour to our Church, that she manifested early 
and great readiness to foster these valuable seminaries. On 
Nov. 14, 1826, by the authority of the General Convention, she 
formed a General Protestant Episcopal Sunday School Union ; 
and we, unhesitatingly, pronounce that act, one of the most dig- 
nified and salutary decisions of that venerable body. Such a 
measure, adopted at the conclave of some of our most distin- 
guished clergymen and laymen, addresses itself, therefore, to 
your patronage and interest, with an imperious and almost re- 
sistless appeal. 

This union has a claim on your liberality from the particular 
object of its formation; an object that has not, perhaps, been 
fully expressed, but is obviously implied from the very nature of 
the institution. Its object is to obtain every species of useful 
information connected with Sunday Schools ; to ascertain their 
number and extent, and the various modes in which they are 
managed in our different churches; to adopt a uniform’ and 
suitable system of instruction; to obtain funds for printing 


( 23) 


cheaply such tracts, catechisms, and other books, as shall, under 
the sanction of proper authority, be recommended for universal 
use ; to preserve our schools under the control of the Church, 
and in strict accordance with her doctrines and liturgy, her 
primitive and scriptural views; to secure such a conscientious 
activity of talents, counsel, and money, as to multiply Sunday 
Schools to the utmost extent, furnish them with every requisite 
book, and make them essentially beneficial nurseries to the 
Church, thoroughly acquainted with its principles and services, 
and inflexibly attached to them; and to render these schools the 
pride and support of our Church, and the glory of our land. 
We believe that all these objects are distinctly kept in view by 
our *‘ Union.” No churchman can possibly present a plea to 
resist these claims. As soon as these objects are mentioned to 
him, he will admit them to be eminently subservient to the cause 
of Curist and his Church. 

Our “‘ Union” has large claims on us for what it has done. 
It has been something more than a dead letter; has had some- 
thing more than a “‘a name to live.” It has been most laud- 
ably operative. It has taken a deep interest in the Sunday 
Schools of our Church; and has used great exertion to obtain 
information respecting them, for the purpose of embodying facts 
of a prominent and instructive character in its reports. It has 
succeeded in obtaining, within the past year, many new auxili- 
aries, Life Subscribers, and Life Managers. It has commanded 
the favour of various classes of churchmen, by uniting sound 
principles with laudable discretion; by urging strenuously the 
truths of the gospel, as maintained and taught by our venerable 
Church; and yet, at the same time, exercising a conscientious 
and honourable abstinence from all interference with existing, 
well known difference of opinions. It has already done much 
towards procuring a course of elementary instruction, and of 
suitable books for Sunday School libraries. It has established 
depositories in many parts of our land, so as to give every faci- 
lity for the success of our schools. Generous exertions have 
been made towards the establishment of a Press, which has 
issued an immense number of very valuable works ; and we are 
happy to say, that our publications of the past year, are about 


( 24 ) 


one hundred thousand copies more than were issued the pre- 
ceding year. Among these publications we number many ac- 
ceptable, suitable, and salutary books for schools and libraries. 
We would particularly enumerate the “ Family Visiter” and the 
‘Children’s Magazine,” both of which are read with great 
avidity, profit, and praise. The receipts into the treasury of 
our Union during the past year, which have been several hun- 
dred dollars more than were received the previous year, evince 
increasing and most flattering encouragement to our Society. 
You will admit then that it has extensive confidence and appro- 
bation ; that the Board of Managers have, with ability, activity, 
and faithfulness, discharged their duty ; and that they are enti- 
tled not only to your thanks, but to a continuance of your libe- 
ral aid. When you witness such results, you may feel assured 
of the benefits of all your appropriations ; and you may know, 
that when you cast your bread upon the waters of this Society, 
they will teach and feed souls hungering for the bread of life, 
and will return in rich blessings on your own souls. 

Our Union has strong claims on churchmen from its neces- 
sarily vast plans and its limited resources. Cast your eyes over 
the churches in these states, and especially over Episcopalians, 
and others entitled to our care, who know yet nothing of the 
blessings of the ministrations of the Gospel, and you must feel, 
forcibly, that great is the work of the “Union.” Schools are 
yet to be organized in various churches, and also in places 
where churches have not yet been formed; and they are to be 
encouraged by contributions of books. The schools that are 
planted by Episcopalians, in many remote and desolate parts of 
our own country, and in foreign lands, are looking to this asso- 
ciation for guidance, light, and aid. In no one of our western 
states, except Ohio, is there any legislative provision for public 
Schools ; and vast territories of our country depend on the be- 
nevolence of Christians for opening their understandings to 
learn the truths of salvation. The valley of the Mississippi, em- 
bracing nine states, parts of two others, and two large territo- 
ries, containing, in the whole, nearly four millions of souls, pre- 
sents an immense field for Sunday School operations. Count- 
less and increasing are those who expect spiritual bread from 


( 25) 


us; and may it not be our misfortune, our fault, or our con- 
demnation, that their cries should be heard without compassion 
or relief, and that they should be sent empty away. Our elemen- 
tary works of instruction may be said to be barely begun ; and the 
unsatisfied demand for these, and other suitable works, is leading 
many of our Schools. to gather their knowledge from sources 
by no means congenial with the primitive faith, sound doctrines, 
affectionate and safe guidance of our loving mother, the Church. 
To this nursing mother, the Episcopal Sunday Schools, through- 
out our land, are looking for books. Countless numbers of 
poor and ignorant children may perish for lack of knowledge, 
if you will not produce sufficient resources to furnish them a 
gratuitous supply. Your press is to be kept in continual acti- 
vity ; and every pause of its operations seems to be a sort of 
suspension of spiritual life in some sections of our vast country. 

So great a work demands a proportionably generous exertion 
on the part of Episcopalians. Let me ask if such an exertion 
has been made t—if liberal resources have been provided’? We 
gratefully acknowledge that much has been done; that our 
success has been beyond our expectations; that, in this city 
especially, Episcopalians have signalized themselves by their mu- 
nificence in this work; that, throughout our states, there have 
been generally evinced the most kindly feelings towards this 
Union ; and that it has realized many generous donations. We 
are delighted to dwell, with praise and gratitude, on the munifi- 
cence of Kohne, our greatest benefactor. His legacy, how- 
ever, touches only our prospective condition. We must look to 
our own prompt generosity for our immediate wants. 

Amidst our numerous blessings, for which we should not 
cease to thank Gop, it must also be admitted, that our means 
are scarcely competent for the demands of our Society. Though 
the Press, during the past year, has stereotyped and published 
many excellent books for our libraries, yet its operations, in that 
department, have by no means equalled the wishes of the mana- 
gers, nor the expectations of the Church. The individuals best 
qualified for serving us in these momentous duties, are obliged 
to withdraw from us much of their services, because we have 
not pecuniary ability to command them, and thus to secure their 

4 


( 26 ) 


whole and undivided attention. ‘These things ought not to be. 
Other denominations of Christians have learned where to apply 
the power for resuscitating and filling their churches. They 
have poured forth their tides of wealth for publishing books ; 
and, by their presses, have ‘lengthened their cords and strength- 
ened their stakes.” Shall not our Church, in the dignity of her 
doctrines, and in the majesty of her strength, awake with re- 
newed interest to build up her cause? Shall the want of a few 
“ eolden sands,” which, spent for Curist, will be laid up in the 
treasury of heaven for eternal interest, cause our press to stop, 
and thus stop the current of salvation to thousands? The press 
is a mighty engine, which can send forth most prolific streams 
to make glad all the children of the earth. The Executive Com- 
mittee wishes its claims to be urged on you; and they are 
earnestly desirous that some of your superfluous possessions, or 
that some offerings of your self-denial should, this evening, be 
contributed for stereotyping some library books, for which a 
loud call is now made from our Sunday Schools. 

The intelligence of this assembly 1nust be alive to the reason- 
ableness of this demand ; and their liberality must be awakened 
by their Christian principles; by their reverence for the Church; 
by their sympathies for her children ; by the importunate solici- 
tations of this respectable Society ; by the good that their bene- 
ficence shall confer ; and by the divine reward that they shall 
certainly enjoy. It is for children that we plead ; it is for their 
instruction and salvation. “It is the will of your Heavenly 
Father that none of these little ones shall perish ;” and you 
can be Gon’s ministers of mercy to save them. “ Whatever 
you do to the least of these, you do to Curist.” , 

There is only one other ground on which we shall at pre- 
sent recommend our “Sunday School Union” to your libe- 
rality. It is the ground that our “Church is founded on the 
apostles and prophets, Jesus Curist himself being the chief cor- 
ner stone ;” and that this “‘ Union” will produce thorough, intelli. 
gent, ardent, and firm churchmen ; and will extend, in the surest 
and safest manner, the doctrines and discipline of Episcopacy. 
We are not disposed to enter into a discussion of the question, 
how far we can be justified in fastening on a young child our 


( 27 ) 


peculiar doctrines of Christianity? This course has been 
thought by some to be building so high the wall of his prejudices, 
that the light of truth may be forever excluded ; and to be binding, 
unfairly, on the dawning intellect, the chains of bigotry. This, 
say such persons, is the bondage of Jews and Roman Catho- 
lics, and the age is too enlightened to approve of such shackles 
of the mind. All this reasoning is mere sophistry, and in 
contradiction to the best interests of man. It proves too 
much, and therefore proves nothing; for it would tend to the 
subversion of all established moral and civil principles. It 
would be destroying every thing like truth, and resolving recti- 
tude into mere opinion. Heaven does not forbid us to teach 
children the knowledge which we possess, merely because it is 
limited and mingled with many errors. The young and docile 
mind is under no compulsion ; it will reason from what it learns, 
and exercise its own lofty prerogative of judgment. When our 
Church urges any topics on her children, she, at the same 
time, recommends an open and full view of these topics on all 
sides. She encourages the most full and exalted exercise of 
intellect. We must teach some sort of knowledge to children, 
otherwise they may gather, from different sources, worse opinions 
than we could communicate to them. It would be absurd in 
us to teach them what we did not believe or practise, or to 
inculeate any thing of which we had a reasonable and cordial 
detestation. Humanity, common sense, and common honesty 
require, that we should impart to them what we believe to be 
truth and virtue. We teach children for the purpose of expand- 
ing their minds, and furnishing them with the largest share of 
intelligence, so that they may have the more extensive and valu- 
able materials on which to build a system of eternal truth. 
Believing, therefore, as we do, that our doctrines are those 
of primitive and evangelical truth—that “our walls are, indeed, 
salvation, and our gates praise”—that our discipline is of supe- 
rior purity, wisdom, and expediency—that our liturgy is an un- 
rivalled and most delightful form of worship, we must natu- 
rally feel a solicitude, that all men may know these saving 
truths, and that our children, especially, may be nurtured in the 
bosom of the Church,—a Church, which can stand only on the 


( 28 ) 


faithful discharge of our obligations to the young. We are to 
be solicitous for the religious instruction of all the children of 
churchmen. We are to look not only to the spiritual benefit of 
those of our own homes, but to that of the thousands of this 
city, who, removed far from the active surface of society, are to 
be found in retired streets and obscure habitations, the ready 
prey of ignorance, seduction, and sin. We are to feel a reli- 
gious solicitude for the multitudes that, throughout these states, 
are, from their episcopal descent, deserving of our kindness, and 
yet have never had spread over them the protecting and nurs- 
ing care of the Church. We are to cherish a deep interest for 
numbers in our western wilds, who have claims on a participa- 
tion of your privileges. We are to extend our compassion and 
charities to children in foreign and Heathen lands, for, by so 
doing, it may be Gon’s good pleasure to bring myriads of them 
to our communion and to salvation. 

A system is adopted to accomplish for us this great work, our 
churches have devised a plan to train up our youth in one Lorp, 
one faith, and one baptism; a plan by which all our children 
may know the truth as it is in Jesus; by which we may not 
only have a uniform system of instruction, but ‘* the unity of the 
Spirit in the bond of peace” by which parents and superintend- 
ents, teachers and children may be blessed with a harmonious 
system of religious knowledge ; and by which holy truth and 
divine love may pervade all our churches. This is the object 
of our “ Union ;” and, as churchmen, we must give it our bold, 
unmingled, constant, and generous approbation and aid. 

Such are our feeble and imperfect views relative to the “ great 
work,” which has assembled us here on this interesting anniver- 
sary. But feeble and imperfect as they are, they may have 
awakened suggestions more weighty and profitable than any 
that could have fallen from myself. For we address intelligent 
. persons in a thinking and generous age ; persons who have al- 
ready manifested enlightened sentiments and iiberal feelings on 
this great work. Your patronage of our “ Union,” which is an 
abundant and grateful recompense for its being placed here, 
corroborates most eloquently my position. Sunday Schools are 
now no longer an experiment. They have obtamed a fixed, unal- 


( 29 ) 


terable rank with some of our highest duties. They have taken 
their place among’ the institutions which are considered as es- 
sential and ornamental pillars of the Church and State. They 
are classed among the most prominent blessings of modern spe- 
culation, enterprise, and refinement.’ By these are the_richest 
benediction to be brought onthe cause of Curist, and of civil 
liberty. By these shall “wisdom and knowledge be the sta- 
bility of our times, and the fear of Gop our treasure.” By these 
shall we effect the permanence of our government, which, from 
its peculiar character, stands only on enlightened public opinion. 
Millions are waiting for our patronage of these schools. Every 
thing seems to be animating us to this noble enterprise, this em- 
phatically “great work ;” worth the ambition of angels as well 
asofmen. Consider the vast privileges with which we are fur- 
nished, and the recompense that awaits those ‘‘ who turn many 
to righteousness.”” Remember that, unless our liberality be 
prompt, many children, waiting for our kindness, may soon die, 
and perhaps be lost for ever. If, then, you are interested in the 
cause of humanity, of learning, of Curist, of his Church, of 
your nation’s prosperity, of the world’s welfare, of the millenial 
era, of the glories of the kingdom of heaven, with energy, gene- 
rosity, and ardent prayers, patronize the “great work” of Sun- 
day Schools ; andmay Gop Aumieuty, of his infinite mercy, re- 
ward you tenfold into your bosoms. 


THE END. 


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